The basis of the sewer system is a high-quality pipe. The higher the load on it, the stronger it should be. Nice pipe for drainage in the ground it lasts for more than 25 years without the risk of clogging, breakdown, or depressurization of the collector. At the same time, temperature indicators do not have a significant effect on it.

How to choose a pipe for underground sewerage

Choosing items for external sewerage, it is important to consider two important parameters:

• The volume of wastewater that will flow through the collector. The larger it is, the larger the cross-section of the external system will be.
• Level of static and dynamic load on the ground. They mean the intensity of traffic in the area and the pressure of the soil on the collector.

It is good to use a pipe with the smoothest inner surface for underground sewerage. This will avoid silting of the system and its blockages.

Material of manufacture and technical characteristics

For the production of external sewerage pipes, four types of materials are used - polymer, cast iron, ceramics and asbestos cement. Each of them has specific specifications and is good when used in certain conditions.

Ceramics

Ceramic sewer pipes

Ceramic “sleeves” have the following positive characteristics:

• high resistance to medium and higher loads;
• high throughput with increasing diameter (up to 600 mm);
• possibility of installation using the joint/groove system without the use of additional couplings;
• inertness to aggressive waste media.

Ceramic pipes have two significant disadvantages - heavy weight, inconvenient self-installation reservoir, and the relative fragility of the material. If installed carelessly, the wall may crack. More often, such elements are used to install public sewer systems.

Polymer (PPP and HDPE)

Bell-shaped polypropylene pipes

As polymer materials use polypropylene (PPP) and polyethylene low pressure(PND). In the first case, the positive characteristics of the pipes are as follows:

• high ductility, which reduces the risk of damage to the system during installation;
• good linear stretchability;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• long service life;
• light weight of elements and ease of installation.

However, polypropylene “sleeves” are unsuitable for installing a city sewer, since, according to the maximum cross-section of the sleeve, the system can withstand only average volumes of wastewater.

PVC pipes

HDPE pipes have the following characteristics:

• resistance to temperature changes in the range from -50 to +130 degrees;
• rigidity of the elements due to the corrugated outer structure (the rings act as stiffeners);
• resistance to mechanical loads;
• tensile strength;
• smoothness of the inner walls;
• little weight;
• long service life.

Just like PPP pipes, HDPE elements are not suitable for sewer installations with a large volume of wastewater. In addition, direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the polymer destroys it over time. But this does not apply to external sewerage.

Asbestos cement

Asbestos cement pipes

Such a sewer pipe can be laid in the ground for any volume of wastewater. It is important to select the correct cross-section of the collector. Asbestos-cement elements have the following advantages:

• resistance to aggressive environments and to dynamic/static loads;
• inertness to aggressive components in wastewater;
• smoothness of the inner walls;
• lighter weight than cast iron or ceramic “sleeves”.

When laying sewers, the weight of an asbestos-cement pipe is often its disadvantage, since such work may not be possible to cope with alone. In addition, the fragility of the material when subjected to a strong mechanical impact on it leads to splitting.

Cast iron

Cast iron sleeves

The main positive aspects of a cast iron pipe are:

• resistance to various types loads;
• inertness to low/high temperatures;
• corrosion resistance;
• service life (up to 80 years).

But cast iron also has disadvantages:

• tendency to siltation due to the imperfectly smooth surface of the internal walls;
• weight that makes installation difficult;
• cost of elements.

Diameter of sewer pipes

All pipes for external sewerage made from various materials, have a specific gradation of sizes/sections:

• Polymers. The diameter of the sewerage elements ranges from 40 to 200 mm. As a rule, elements with a cross section of 40, 50 and 110 mm are used inside the house. The external collector is mounted from pipes of larger cross-section.
• Cast iron. The internal section (DN) starts from 150 mm and reaches a maximum value of 600 mm in increments of 50 mm.
• Asbestos cement. Such elements have a diameter from 75 mm to 600 mm.

All pipes with a diameter of 110 mm or more are intended only for the installation of external sewer networks.

Basic requirements for pipes for sewerage in the ground

To sewer system worked without failures, it is important that the pipes for the external collector meet the following requirements:

• Durability and long service life. For private sewer it is from 30 years.
• Inert to aggressive/chemical environments.
• Resistance to temperature changes.
• Maximum smoothness of the inner walls.

Given that correct installation systems with a slope towards the wastewater receiver will work properly without the need for expensive repairs. In this case, it is advisable to flush the collector under high pressure at least once every 5 years.

Underground sewerage includes a whole complex of engineering structures, equipment, as well as sanitary cleaning work that ensures their uninterrupted operation. Sewage is an integral part of water supply and drainage systems.

All wastewater is transported through the system to a settling tank. The system consists of two independent branches, for domestic drainage and for drainage of atmospheric water ( storm drain). It is customary for them to be transported through separate pipelines.

Pad underground sewer, is the most expensive, both in terms of time and material costs. When laying out the system, it is necessary to take into account many criteria that will ensure long-term and uninterrupted operation. One of the criteria is pipe insulation. If the insulation is not done well, the pipes may freeze in severe frost and the drainage will stop. Application plastic pipes, are less dangerous due to the fact that they are not afraid of deformation, since cast iron will not burst.

The depth of laying the external sewer pipe in the ground depends on the depth of soil freezing in your area and is calculated 30 cm deeper than this depth. It is customary to lay underground sewerage to a depth of at least 70cm, and for areas with low winter temperatures, this depth is set to at least 1.2m. Today, the industry produces special polypropylene pipes that have good thermal insulation characteristics. The use of thermal insulation can significantly reduce the depth of sewerage in the ground, and, therefore, reduce the cost of installation and subsequent repair and maintenance work.

Light pipe weight

Easy to install.

Minuses:

Soft, easily deformed when pressure increases,

Pipes with thick walls are very expensive,

They become unusable when exposed to sunlight.

Polyethylene pipes

There are smooth and corrugated. The latter, by the way, are more durable.

Pros:

Possibility of laying pipes to a depth of up to 15 m, since they do not deform under the weight of the soil,

Smooth inner walls

Small mass

Easy installation due to the presence of connectors and tees,

Service life more than 50 years.

Minuses:

Deforms at temperatures above 65° C,

They become unusable when exposed to sunlight,

Installs only in the ground.

Despite all their advantages, polyethylene pipes have little strength, so their rigidity is increased due to the outer corrugated layer.

Asbestos cement pipes

Such pipes are made from a water mixture of cement and asbestos.

Pros:

Resistant to any chemical substances,

Service life up to 100 years,

Easy to install and simply connect to each other,

Small mass

They rarely get clogged.

Minuses:

Very fragile (this must be taken into account when purchasing and carefully inspect the pipes for chips and cracks),

Difficult transportation, again, due to fragility.

These two disadvantages overshadow all the advantages of such pipes, so they are now practically not used.

Ceramic pipes

Ceramic pipes were used even before our era, but even now they are also used in sewer construction.

Pros:

Easily tolerate temperature changes,

Resistant to any chemicals, even the most caustic ones,

Easy to install,

They practically do not clog due to the slight roughness of the internal walls.

Minuses:

Very fragile and this makes their installation and delivery difficult,

Small length, which leads to a large number of joints between them.

Because of its fragility ceramic pipes have practically disappeared from the market because they are difficult to use.

Pipe diameter selection

When choosing the diameter of a sewer pipe, you need to pay attention to both the internal and external diameters.

For sewerage of a small private house, a pipe with a standard diameter of 110 mm is suitable. When combining several sewers into one network, the diameter of the pipe must increase. Pipes for polyurethane foam are used largest size diameter

In most cases, pipes with round. But there are cases when pipes with a rectangular or elliptical cross-section are used.

Rectangular pipes can be installed if the sewage system is located at a depth of up to 1 meter, and ellipsoidal ones in the case where soil or drainage creates very strong pressure on the pipes.

It should also be remembered that if the sewer system is located shallow, then it must be insulated, otherwise you may experience pipe rupture at sub-zero temperatures.

Methods for connecting sewer pipes

There are three connection methods:

1) welding- the most difficult method, as it requires certain skills and special equipment. Used to connect plastic and metal pipes. In case of repair, such connections create some difficulties;

2) bell-shaped- a thin section of the pipe is inserted into the wide end of the second pipe (socket), rubber seals and sealants are used for tightness, and tow is added at the end;

3) coupling (flange, socketless)- the two pipes are pressed tightly against each other with their cuts, a rubber cuff is placed on top and tightened with a clamp. This is the most convenient method for sewer repair.

From all this we can conclude: before choosing a particular type of pipe, it is necessary to analyze all the factors for specific situation to avoid problems in the future. For example, calculate the slope of a sewer pipe depending on the site.

Video: All about sewer installation

Basically, PVC products are used for the construction of modern sewers, which have many advantages and disadvantages. But pipes of other materials, which have their own characteristics, can be used. Due to the fact that the consumer is primarily interested in which pipe to use for underground sewerage in accordance with his budget, we will consider suitable and affordable varieties.

Characteristics of plastic products

Preparing trenches for laying sewer pipes

Pipelines with standard sizes are available for sale. Their diameter is determined by GOSTs, that is, pipes can have sizes of 10, 50, 90, 110, 300 and 160 mm. There are also products of large diameters, but they are not suitable for private construction.

Basically, the connection of plastic pipes is made using a similar technology by inserting into a fitting or other pipeline. Fittings include tees, angles, crosses, bends, revisions, plugs.

All plastic products are light weight, density 0.95-1.4 g/cm3, and differ in dielectric properties. Pipes have a slippery and smooth surface, which protects them from deposits.

PVC pipes are resistant to alkalis, acids and mineral oils. They differ long-term operation, but at a temperature of 70 degrees their strength begins to lose. Therefore they are not suitable for equipment industrial sewerage. Also, PVC pipes are hard and slightly brittle and have low sound insulation.

Polyethylene pipes differ from PVC products in being more slippery and pliable. Polyethylene is characterized by better noise absorption, resistance to mechanical damage, and better chemical resistance to acids, biomass and alkalis. Polyethylene can be used to produce corrugated products intended for underground installation, resistant to pressure and soil displacement. But there is a risk of pipe deformation during loading hot water.

installation of inspection wells

More durable material for production pressure pipes is polypropylene. Its softening temperature reaches 140 ºС, melting temperature – 175 degrees. Polypropylene sewerage is resistant to boiling water, but at temperatures below 5 ºС the material becomes brittle. Because of this, pipelines need to be laid underground or thermally insulated. Polypropylene is highly resistant to wear, so it can be used for draining wastewater with a high content of solid abrasive elements.

Characteristics of products made of cast iron and other materials

Cast iron pipes can often be found in old buildings, but they are no longer recommended for new buildings. The only advantage cast iron pipes The advantage of plastic ones is their high noise absorption. Otherwise, they are characterized by large mass, high cost, complex installation. They can be used for laying under roads due to their high strength. If you have chosen these pipes, then it is better to choose products treated with an anti-corrosion compound.

When constructing a sewer system in cities and enterprises, ceramic, reinforced concrete and asbestos-cement pipelines can be used. But they are not used in domestic conditions.

Which pipeline is better to choose for internal sewerage?

Mostly, home owners refuse cast iron products due to difficult installation and large mass, preferring their plastic counterparts. Plastic pipelines can be laid independently without specialists. In addition, plastic is characterized by resistance to aggressive environmental influences and durability.

For laying internal sewerage it is better to choose polyvinyl chloride products that are resistant to wastewater with different temperature indicators. The pipes withstand freezing and soil pressure, do not form cracks and there is no loss of shape. In addition, plastic structures are sealed and corrosion resistant.

The rules for laying sewers have one condition that must be strictly adhered to - avoid sudden changes in levels and turns. When laying sewerage, you must comply regulatory documentation SNiP P-G.3-62.

security correct angle sewer pipe slope

Selecting the diameter of the sewer pipeline

If you study SNiP 2.04.01-85, it describes in detail the calculation for choosing the size of pipes for sewerage. It turns out that the suitable diameter of the sewer pipe in a private house is 50 mm, to which plumbing equipment for the kitchen and bath can be installed. For the riser and toilet, structures with a diameter of more than 10 cm are chosen, since in such places a large water flow is created.

The toilet should be mounted to the riser via a separate pipeline. There is no need to connect products with a smaller size to its drain, otherwise the flow may block the cross-section of the pipeline and create a vacuum in the connected pipe. Because of this, the siphons of other equipment may become dry.

As a result of this, the optimal choice would be pipes with a diameter of 50 mm for horizontal surfaces that go to the kitchen or bathroom, and for the riser and toilet - 110 mm.

For individual drain points (shower, bidet, sink) you can use smaller pipe diameters of 22-40 mm. Here rubber cuffs or couplings with a transitional size are used.

For apartment buildings (with 5 floors), pipes with a diameter of 100 mm are suitable, and in buildings with more floors, pipelines larger than 150 mm should be laid.

Pipes connecting several risers with access to a sewer well can be up to 20 cm in size.

Features of sewerage installation

In addition to choosing the appropriate pipe size, you should consider the details of laying the sewer system. The diameter of the horizontal pipeline cannot be larger than the riser for drainage. Installation of horizontal connections is carried out with oblique angles and tees. Right angles are allowed only when connecting the riser to a horizontal section.

At sewer bends, inspections are installed - openings with covers for cleaning pipes.

First, a system design is created, which takes into account the following factors:

• soil composition;
• mechanical loads on the sewer system;
• soil freezing depth;
• depth of groundwater.

The project reflects the placement of all drain points in the house, on the territory, the location of the water intake point, and the septic tank. The turning points, sewer pipe installation lines, and inspection installation are also indicated.

At this stage, the material used, the need for thermal insulation, drainage system and the number of adapters are determined. For bends and adapters, a slope of 45ºC must be created; from the pipe to the septic tank the slope must be at least 2 cm per linear meter. If the sewerage system is laid above the freezing point of the soil, it is insulated and the connections are sealed with sealant or silicone.

laying sewer pipes at the foundation stage

Carrying out installation work

Do-it-yourself installation of sewer pipes begins after marking the system on the territory, calculating the installation depth, and selecting pipes required diameter, cleaning facility.

Preparatory work involves digging a pit for a septic tank or cesspool, after which a trench is dug for pipe installation. They need to be dug 20 cm lower than the planned level of laying sewer elements.

Plastic is resistant to low temperatures, but to prevent water from freezing in such pipes, they are wrapped with thermal insulation and covered with a dry mixture of cement and sand in a ratio of 1/3.

laying a drain pipe to a sewer septic tank

In order for the sewer system to work properly, the slope of the pipes specified in the project must be observed. The depth of the trench on a flat surface near the house should be less than near the treatment plant. With a natural slope from the building to the septic tank, a trench is dug with a uniform depth along the entire length of the pipes.

At steep slope It is better to divide the sewer system into compartments with different levels, where drop-off or distribution wells are installed.

The bottom of the trench is compacted and filled with crushed stone or sand layer. Pipes can be laid in a trench to any depth. When placed high groundwater and deep freezing of the soil, a buried trench is dug into which the pipeline is laid high. When the water level is low, it is placed near the bottom or in the center of the trench.

Before laying pipes in trenches, you should check the inside for cleanliness. Laying of the pipeline begins from the drain points in the house, after which the sewer is mounted to the side treatment plant, connect to the remaining branches of the street drain.

You should remember to install pipes using an O-ring or silicone grease, installing them in areas of turns and branches of auditors. After carefully laying the pipes, they are carefully wrapped with thermal insulation. Inspection wells, auditors and a ventilation pipe are installed near the house. If the pipeline is long, it will be necessary to create 1 or 2 ventilation pipes.

Before backfilling the system, a control drain should be performed, which will reflect the quality of the pipe installation.

At the end of all work, the sewer pipes are first filled with a mixture of sand and cement to a depth of 15 cm, and then with soil. Inspection wells and revisions are installed 20 cm above the ground level.

Additionally, you can familiarize yourself with video instructions on laying a sewer system, which you can do yourself if you follow the appropriate rules.

Any type of human activity has a colossal impact on the environment. Especially if it's industrial production, the waste from which poses a huge danger.

Enterprise wastewater, which has a structure modified by physical or chemical methods and a number of impurities, can cause serious damage to the environment. That is why the problem of industrial waste disposal has been relevant since the advent of industrial enterprises. At the moment, the most effective solution to this problem is the installation of a sewer network. Two types of sewerage can be used as a local sewerage system at a production facility: external and underground.

External sewerage is a complex of structures and systems located outside the enterprise building. It is a network of sewer pipes located on overpasses (supports) and laid to cleaning devices. Underground sewerage includes a set of engineering systems and equipment, sewer pipes to which are laid in dug trenches or punctures.

Installation of external sewerage networks

Ground installation is carried out in most cases in areas with permafrost soils. The pipes are located on channels and trays that are above ground or partially grounded. The method of installing such a sewer network depends mainly on the conditions of the given facility.

Not very aesthetic appearance is the main disadvantage of external sewerage

For installation of pipes with small and medium diameters, steel or reinforced concrete masts and supports are used, for pipes with large diameters - reinforced concrete overpasses. Thermal extensions of the sewerage system are equipped with bent expansion joints. Maintenance is carried out from special sites. If necessary, it is possible to install special bridges for crossing.

In terms of cost, as well as the price of installation and maintenance, external sewerage is more profitable than underground sewerage, but it spoils the aesthetic impression and is not always appropriate.

Underground sewerage installation

Underground sewerage installation somewhat different. There are two types of laying a sewer network underground: channelless (installation of pipes directly in the ground) and channel (laying in special channels).

The first method has a lower cost and performs much faster in terms of time. faster than second. The safety of the pipes is ensured by special insulation and thickening of the shell. The second provides a high degree of protection of the pipe from mechanical damage and environmental influences. In addition, the channels used in this method are also divided into several types:

• Passing ( a large number of pipes)
• Semi-bore (numerous pipe intersections)
• Non-through (many pipes of small diameter)

Underground sewerage is used much more often than aboveground. It provides good pipe protection, is more compact, and retains its appearance. environment. However, it also costs much more.

It is unlikely that you will be able to save money on installing an underground sewer system

Aboveground sewerage ideal when crossing difficult terrain or water obstacles. In addition, it is very popular in areas with frozen soil that does not allow underground installation.

Which method is better is a moot point. It all depends on the purpose of the sewer, environmental conditions, aesthetics, convenience and a number of other factors. However, each type has undoubted advantages, which, if used correctly, will serve uninterruptedly for many years.

The sewage system of a private house consists of internal and external pipelines. Installation of the internal part of the drainage system is complex and requires professionalism and the use of special equipment. In areas where there are outbuildings, plantings or road surfaces, special equipment is used and sewer pipes are laid using the horizontal puncture method.

When choosing pipes, you need to consider:

• ability to cope well main task– drainage, do not allow small debris to cling to the internal walls and accumulate, forming blockages;
• resistance to aggressive substances contained in Wastewater ah and soil;
• strength that does not allow the pipes to deform under the weight of the soil laid on top of the pipeline.

Sewage pipes have their advantages and disadvantages, which vary depending on the material from which they are made:

Pipe material	Advantages	Flaws
cast iron	durability,	heavy weight, difficulty in transportation and installation, roughness of the internal surface, high cost
steel	resistance to mechanical stress, smooth internal walls	instability to moisture, susceptibility to corrosion
asbestos cement	durability, lightness, low cost	instability to mechanical stress, roughness of the internal surface
polyethylene	low cost, ease of transportation and installation, durability, resistance to chemicals, smooth internal surface	withstandable temperature - up to 50 degrees, instability to ultraviolet radiation
polypropylene	withstandable temperature - up to 80 degrees	low rigidity, susceptibility to deformation under mechanical stress
polyvinyl chloride	variety of types and sizes, ease of transportation and installation, smooth inner surface, wear resistance	withstandable temperature – up to 40 degrees

Pipes made of polymers, in addition, can be smooth-walled or corrugated: the former are cheaper, the latter are more durable and elastic.

There are also insulated pipes and pipes with a built-in heating cable - they are used when installing shallow sewers.

How to lay sewer pipes in the ground

Installation of external sewerage into the ground occurs in three stages:

1. Preparation of trenches.
2. Pipeline installation.
3. Backfilling.

Digging a trench

Before digging trenches for laying sewerage, calculate the network configuration and determine:

• Optimal geometric shape pipeline: the most efficient and easiest to maintain will be a pipeline with a minimum number of corners and branches; if possible, the pipeline is led in a straight line from the house to the place of wastewater discharge. To avoid obstacles, it is permissible to turn the pipeline at an angle of 30-45 degrees. Right angles in the sewer network are unacceptable due to the increased pressure of wastewater on the walls of the pipeline and the increased likelihood of blockages.
• The depth of the trenches, allowing to maintain the operability of the channels in winter period: below the depth of soil freezing per pipe diameter plus 15-20 cm per sand cushion. The minimum permissible trench depth is 0.5 m, the optimum varies from 2 m in the southern regions of Russia to 3.5 m in the northern regions.
• Angle of inclination ensuring free flow of wastewater: usually, a slope of 1-2 cm per meter of pipeline is sufficient;
• Trench width: 40 cm is added to the pipe diameter; for large depths and pipe diameters greater than 20 cm, the trench width is increased for ease of installation.

The construction of communications brings real comfort to country life, but their open location does not in the best possible way is reflected in the aesthetic component of the site. It is a completely different matter if the sewer pipeline is buried in the ground: it is not visible, the pipeline does not interfere with movement.

However for underground device system requires compliance with rules and regulations. They should be studied, don’t you agree?

The fundamental laws and subtle nuances according to which sewer pipes are laid in the ground are presented on our website. Based on the information we offer, you will build a trouble-free external sewer system.

A pipeline constructed in accordance with our advice will work perfectly at any time of the year. The article presented to your attention scrupulously describes the technology for constructing the underground part of the sewer system.

The material describes the nuances of design and installation details. Recommendations are given on the implementation of preventive measures and compliance with sewerage operating rules. To make it easier to understand, the information is supplemented with photo images and video instructions.

Today, almost every household has the necessary set of amenities for a comfortable stay: washbasin, sink, toilet, shower or full bath, washing machine and other benefits of civilization. Many houses are equipped with not one, but several bathrooms and bathrooms.

This entire facility, when fully operational, produces a large amount of waste and wastewater per day. According to standards, the amount of liquid waste per person per day is from 5.4 to 9.5 liters, which must be discharged somewhere.

As a rule, country houses where people live permanently have many different plumbing fixtures, which makes it necessary to equip an autonomous sewer system

Therefore, the drainage system is a mandatory part engineering communications individual house. It consists of , release from residential building and an external sewer network laid on the site.

Many owners of private houses, paying Special attention internal system, for some reason they do not always treat the arrangement of external networks properly.

Indeed, the process of laying a pipeline seems simple; it is enough to dig a trench, connect the pipes to each other, the intra-house system and the collector, and then cover everything with earth.

But this is only at first glance. In fact, in this, as in any other work, there are many nuances that must be taken into account. Failure to comply with technological standards and improper installation of the pipeline may in the future lead to siltation and other significant problems.

If the site has a natural slope that exceeds the recommended standards, it is possible to lay a sewer system with several vertical transitions. In this case, on horizontal sections of the pipeline it is necessary to comply with regulatory indicators.

Actions to take when the sewer freezes

If you have not insulated your sewer pipes, or have not insulated them enough, and they are frozen, first of all, you need to identify the damaged section of the pipeline in order to choose a method to solve the problem. Metal pipes can be heated using a blowtorch.

If the pipeline is made of plastic, open fire cannot be used. You can pour hot water into the sewer, in which you have previously dissolved salt (2 kg per 10 liters of water). You can direct a stream of steam or hot water to the revision closest to the frozen area.

If the damaged pipe is located in the middle of the main line, you can use a steam generator to warm the soil. However, this process can take quite a long time. It is best to prevent the system from freezing, and when laying pipes, provide them with high-quality thermal insulation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

This video covers the process of laying external sewerage in great detail, and also provides regulatory indicators that must be adhered to during installation:

This video shows how to lay sewer pipes in the ground:

Despite its apparent simplicity, the work of laying sewer pipes requires a competent approach and knowledge of regulatory laying rules. Only if the necessary indicators are met and correct execution work, you can build a truly effective and durable sewer system.

Trying to lay sewer pipes yourself? Or maybe you don’t agree with the material presented? We welcome your comments and questions – the contact form is located below.

In this article, we will help you figure out which pipe is best for underground sewerage, consider the advantages and disadvantages of various materials, the required diameter and connection options.

Which pipe to use for underground sewerage

The market brings to our attention pipes for underground sewerage different diameters, materials and connection options.

To make an informed choice, you need to consider:

• temperature and chemical aggressiveness of wastewater;
• volumes of discharges during periods of maximum load;
• minimum temperatures of the climatic zone;
• depth and angle of sewer installation;
• soil type.

External sewer pipes must meet numerous requirements: to be durable, reliable, wear- and frost-resistant. Properly selected sewer pipes for specific conditions will ensure effective waste disposal for many years.

Pipe material

Underground sewerage can be laid using the following materials:

• cast iron;
• polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
• polypropylene (PP);
• polyethylene (PE);
• asbestos cement;
• ceramics.

The last two options are used very rarely, and more and more users are choosing pipes made of cast iron and plastic.

Cast iron pipes

Gray cast iron is inferior in its characteristics to ductile cast iron. IN modern version SML cast iron socketless pipes are recommended (you can learn more about them and select them on this page).

Advantages:

• durable;
• service life up to 85 years;
• withstand heavy loads;
• resistance to temperature changes.

Flaws:

• not suitable for saline soil;
• have a lot of weight, which increases the cost of delivery and complicates the installation process;
• a rough surface reduces the speed of drainage and causes blockages;
• high price.

PVC pipes

PVC pipes intended for outdoor use are produced orange color. Gray ones have a wall thickness of 2.7 mm and are not able to withstand soil pressure, therefore they are used exclusively for the installation of internal sewage systems. Corrugated pipes are intended for laying in the ground without boxes to a depth of more than two meters.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• strength, wear resistance;
• are not destroyed by aggressive chemicals;
• the inner walls are smooth, so no growths form on them;
• corrosion resistance.

Flaws:

• if the temperature of the wastewater is above 40 C°, it quickly becomes unusable due to thermal elongation of the material;
• suitable only for gravity sewerage;
• used for small private houses.

It is also worth noting that the characteristics PVC pipes may vary depending on the manufacturer. In addition, such pipes can vary in hardness, and depending on it used at different depths. The stiffest class S pipes can be used at depths of up to 8 m, medium-stiff class N pipes can be used at depths up to 6 m, and light class L pipes can be used at depths up to 2 m.

Polypropylene pipes

Advantages:

• smooth inner surface;
• service life up to 100 years;
• resistant to temperatures up to 100 C°;
• do not decompose under the influence of acids and alkalis;
• light weight, which simplifies transportation and installation;
• installation is quite simple and quick and does not require the use of special equipment.

Flaws:

• soft, can be deformed under high pressure;
• pipes with increased wall thickness, designed for burial to greater depths, are more expensive;
• deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which complicates storage.

Polyethylene pipes

On sale there are smooth and corrugated ones, which have greater strength.

Advantages:

• resistance to loads allows you to lay PP pipes to a depth of up to 15 m;
• smooth surface with high throughput;
• a light weight;
• a wide range of connectors, tees and bends are on sale to facilitate the installation process;
• service life exceeds 50 years.

Flaws:

• cannot be used for wastewater with temperatures above 65 C°;
• deteriorate from UV radiation;
• can only be laid in the ground; part of the system must not come out on top of the ground.

Despite the huge number of advantages, plastic has low strength, so outer surface pipes are made corrugated, increasing their rigidity. Inner surface at the same time it remains smooth so as not to retain runoff.

Asbestos cement

To produce such pipes, a mixture of Portland cement and asbestos fiber is used.

Advantages:

• excellent resistance to aggressive environments, so virtually any waste can be drained through such pipes;
• durability, and in this regard, asbestos-cement pipes are leaders, as they can be used for up to 100 years;
• ease of installation, since joining individual parts of pipes is quite simple;
• light weight, which makes installation easier;
• Such pipes are not prone to overgrowth, so they will serve as they should for many years.

Flaws:

• high fragility, since even minor mechanical damage can compromise the integrity of the material. Even new pipes may have chips and cracks at the ends, so when purchasing you need to look closely at them;
• difficulty of delivery due to high fragility.

These disadvantages negate all the advantages of asbestos-cement pipes, so they are practically not used today.

Ceramics

Ceramics have been used to make sewer pipes since antiquity, and the material is still used for this purpose today.

Advantages:

• high resistance to temperature changes, extremely low and high temperatures;
• complete inertness to any substances, even strong alkalis or acids. Such pipes can withstand the influence of absolutely any wastewater;
• ease of installation;
• the inner surface has low roughness, which means it will not overgrow or become clogged.

Flaws:

• excessively high fragility, which complicates the transportation of pipes and their installation. New pipes may already have cracks, and their presence is indicated by a slightly rattling sound when tapping on the pipe;
• ceramic pipes are not very long, which leads to the need to make a large number of joints, and this negatively affects the integrity of the system;

It is precisely because of their high fragility that it is very difficult to use ceramic pipes, and they have almost been forced out of the modern market.

Diameter

When choosing the diameter of a sewer pipe, it is necessary to take into account the external and inner dimensions, since the wall thickness can vary significantly.

For domestic external sewerage 110 mm standard applies. This diameter is sufficient for maintenance country house. When combined into one sewer network several houses or an entire village, the diameter should increase in accordance with the calculations for the project.

All the time we were talking about pipes with a round cross-section, which are used in the vast majority of cases, because wastewater moves through them as quickly as possible. However, this is far from the only option. Sometimes used ellipsoidal pipes: they are necessary when the soil creates strong pressure on the pipes or when the load of wastewater on them is too high. When the sewerage system is not located too deep (up to 1 m), you can use pipes with semicircular and rectangular cross-section. It is also worth noting that if the sewer system is not deep enough, it must be insulated to avoid pipe rupture during the cold season.

Connection format

• Welding– the most complex, requiring special knowledge and the use of equipment. Welding is performed on metal and plastic pipes. Such connections are extremely inconvenient in cases where repairs are necessary.
• Bell-shaped– a section of one pipe is installed in the socket of another. Sealing of joints is achieved through the use of rubber seals and sealants. When using this method, when installing cast iron pipes, additional caulking is done with tow.
• Socketless(flange, coupling) - pipes that are straight at both ends are placed butt-to-butt, a rubber cuff is applied to the joint and tightened with a clamp. The socketless connection method is most convenient for repairs and replacements of sewerage sections.

By analyzing which underground sewer pipes are most suitable in a particular case, you will get rid of many problems associated with the difficulties of cleaning and repair.